BEREA, Ky. (LEX 18) — School officials at Berea Community Elementary School are continuing to fight to build an all-inclusive playground for differently-abled kids in the community.
It hasn't been easy though, especially with COVID-19. Right before the pandemic began, they secured a grant for $35,000 to help build a new playground. But now they need to raise almost $70,000 by next Friday, February 12, or they will lose their current grant.
Landon Savia is a 3rd grader at the elementary school who would benefit from an all-inclusive playground.
"It's hard to be able to interact with your peers and your friends if you can't do something safely and you have to be taken inside that doesn't make you feel included," says Landon's father, Christian Savia.
Landon has Down syndrome and visibility issues that make it challenging for him to use the current playground equipment.
Kyra McClary's son Kase is a kindergartner who was born with Noonan's Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects him both mentally and physically. His mom says having a place at his school where he can play with everyone else would bring her so much joy.
"I know that he loves kids and being able to keep up with them would probably make me cry seeing him play with other kids his age," says McClary.
To donate you can Venmo @kendylandfriendsfoundation or do a PayPal search for Kendyl and Friends Foundations. They are asking donors to include BCES so they know where to apply the funds.
